The UK Government Proposes a Nighttime Curfew on Social Networks for Teenagers

The UK government has presented a proposal that introduces new measures to limit the use of social networks by boys and girls aged 16 to 17. The provision includes the automatic activation of a digital curfew from 00:00 to 6:00 in the morning, while still allowing users to disable this setting if they wish. In addition to the inactivity hours, the plan also includes the default disabling of some of the features considered more engaging, such as infinite scrolling of content and automatic video playback. The declared aim is to reduce the time spent on platforms and limit the negative effects that excessive use could have on the well-being of young people.

The Secretary for Technology, Liz Kendall, explained that the initiative stems from requests made by both parents and the teenagers themselves. According to the government, even after reaching the age of 16, it is necessary to continue providing protective tools against social features deemed most likely to promote compulsive behaviors. The first regulations are expected to be presented to Parliament by the end of the year, with implementation tentatively scheduled for spring 2027.

The experimentation that led to the proposal of a digital curfew for social networks The proposal takes inspiration from the results of an experiment involving over 300 teenagers and their respective families. During the test, three different strategies were evaluated: a daily usage limit of the apps set at 15 minutes, a nighttime curfew from 21:00 to 7:00, and the complete removal of certain apps. According to the government, participants reported improved mood, reduced stress, and higher energy levels during the day. At the same time, it emerged that social networks represent an important tool for maintaining relationships with friends, which is why the curfew was deemed the most balanced compromise.

At the same time, London is also working on a set of rules dedicated to AI-based chatbots. Among the proposals are mandatory breaks for underage users and interventions against systems that could provide potentially dangerous advice or unverified information, especially in the psychological realm. The project is part of a broader strategy for regulating digital platforms and follows similar initiatives already discussed both in the UK and within the European Union.